Despite holding a leading score over the Nuggets for about 70% of this series the Lakers were unable to seal the deal, going down 4-1 against the defending champions. They managed to avoid the clean sweep by winning one at home, but the Nuggets 2nd half offense proved too much for LeBron, AD, and the Lakers.
Here's how the offseason is shaping up for them:
Projected Cap Space with Cap Holds/Accept Options: -$82,925,096
Maximum Cap Space (i.e. without Cap Holds/Decline Options): $30,685,215
Draft Picks: 2024 1st round (The pelicans own LA's 2024 1st round pick, but can choose to instead take the Lakers' 2025 1st round pick instead.) 2024 2nd round (own)
Outlook (summarized from this BR article
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a crossroads after a disappointing early exit from the NBA playoffs. With uncertainties swirling around LeBron James' future, the team faces a critical offseason. Currently, they could have significant financial flexibility, with the projected $141 million salary cap, potentially falling below the $172 million luxury tax threshold or surpassing it.
A pivotal factor in their financial planning revolves around the decisions of LeBron James and D'Angelo Russell. LeBron, with a hefty $51.4 million salary on the books, may opt for free agency, especially considering Bronny's eligibility for the NBA draft. The younger James could either enter the draft or return to college, influencing his father's choice. Meanwhile, Russell, owed $18.7 million next season, is likely to seek a significant raise in free agency following his impressive performance, averaging 18.0 points and 6.3 assists.
Despite these uncertainties, there are some positives for the Lakers. Most of their rotation players are under contract for the 2024-25 season, with only reserves Taurean Prince and Spencer Dinwiddie, and Max Christie not contracted for 2024-2025 . However, the main narrative centers, as always with the Lakers, on whether they will pursue another star via trade. If so, they must be prepared to part with a combination of players such as Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jalen Hood-Schifino.
Adding to the intrigue is the potential involvement of DeMar DeRozan. At 35 years old and never having played in an NBA Finals, DeRozan might consider joining the Lakers as a low-cost option in pursuit of a championship ring and a return to his hometown, having grown up in Compton.